Software Engineer Interview Experience - San Jose, California
November 17, 2023
Positive ExperienceNo Offer
Process
Technical interview:
The interview started with going through the resume, talking about the focus of your projects and research, and discussing your previous working experience. This was followed by an algorithm problem.
Handwritten in C++, solved.
Questions
Simple operation of image processing
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 82 interview experiences for the TikTok Software Engineer role in San Jose, California.
Success Rate
6%
Pass Rate
TikTok's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in San Jose, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Positive37%
Neutral39%
Negative24%
Candidates reported having good feelings for TikTok's Software Engineer interview process in San Jose, California.
TikTok Work Experiences
2.0
Culture and Environment
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, California, United States
August 3, 2023
Pros: Great pay, great working environment with free food and snacks. Many opportunities.
Cons: Long hours, not very tech-driven, not very diversified.
4.0
Work-life harmony
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, California, United States
July 27, 2025
Pros: Free snacks, gym pass, 20 days international remote work.
Cons: Night meetings with China teams.
3.0
Depends on the team
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, California, United States
March 8, 2025
Pros: High base salary, and high-value impact projects
Cons: The docs are in Chinese, the translation works badly, and selling stocks is complicated. It's hard to be promoted if you are a non-Chinese speaker.
- 2.0Culture and EnvironmentSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, California, United StatesAugust 3, 2023Pros: Great pay, great working environment with free food and snacks. Many opportunities.Cons: Long hours, not very tech-driven, not very diversified.
- 4.0Work-life harmonySoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, California, United StatesJuly 27, 2025Pros: Free snacks, gym pass, 20 days international remote work.Cons: Night meetings with China teams.
- 3.0Depends on the teamSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, California, United StatesMarch 8, 2025Pros: High base salary, and high-value impact projectsCons: The docs are in Chinese, the translation works badly, and selling stocks is complicated. It's hard to be promoted if you are a non-Chinese speaker.
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